if you see a solitary female walking at night; do not talk to her. do not try to make conversation. do not yell “HEY, HOW’S IT GOING!?”. don’t even make eye contact. you will only come across as obnoxious and creepy. she will not make eye contact with you and she will probably start walking faster. just fuck the hell off. thank you.
—mmm, apricot beer
This article appears in Sep 10-16, 2009.
As someone who has been harrassed on a number of occasions while alone at night, by a solitary man or group of men, I wholeheartedly agree. Most of the time the intent of this contact is to make the woman feel uncomfortable, and we can tell.
I always told my girls to use their cells and call someone (it was usually me) if they saw anything that made them feel threatened – that voice on the other end can be a real comfort for someone walking alone late at night.
Sometimes I pretend to be on the phone, so they’ll leave me alone. Usually works!
It sucks – but you really shouldn’t be walking alone at night in this crime ridden city.
“Most of the time the intent of this contact is to make the woman feel uncomfortable”
No, most of the time the intent is one last ditch effort to get laid, because you just never know. I’m sure it must actually work at least sometimes, and from most guys’ perspective, that makes it all worth it despite the yelling, slapping, kicking, and/or bear spray potential. Despite what some of your women’s studies classes may have told you, not all men are out there to rape, torture, and murder you. Some of us just want a legit hook-up, and maybe even some of us really do just want to talk to and get to know you (before we hook-up).
On the other hand, looking at it from the woman’s perspective, I suppose it’s really not cool and would make you feel annoyed and uncomfortable. On behalf of my gender, I apologize for that.
Methinks the moniker of “Apricot beer” says it all.
I had a friend who taught in Japan, for whom this was a nightly occurence.
She was about 5’11” and really attracted the drunks.
She learnt to say “Your tiny dick is useless to me” in Japanese and would bellow it at them as they hassled her.
They didn’t stick around.
This is why I’ll have my daughters carry shaving razors or a knife.
What about when you’re walking at night and you’re going faster than a woman walking alone ahead of you? What’s the deal there? I hate and feel all creepy trying to pass them as they ‘slowly’ make their way, but I’m sure as hell not going to cross the road just to make them comfortable and then cross back. Sometimes a good throat clearing or cough seems to at least give them the fair warning of a person on their tail, but usually I’m givin the ‘I’m a creep’ look regardless.
Might just start yelling, “HEY LADY…..I’M PASSING YOU. YEA YOU! YOU”RE GONNA GET PASSED!”
But feedback would be nice.
Seriously, a razor or knife? That’s fucked. If I got slashed because I “looked at you wrong”, you’d better kill me cause I’d beat the fuck out of you. That’s really fucked.
Hunger.
Just grab your crotch and yell “Beep! Beep!”
Before you try the penis-horn, try letting your heels scuff the pavement as you walk. She’ll hear that, and it doesn’t come across as attention-grabbing like a throat-clearing would.
At the Ju Jitsu club that used to be in Bloomfield school, women were taught how to defend themselves…I saw how a 6′-2″ 250 lb+ man can get decimated by a 5′-4″ 110 lb girl. She was on her back, the guy was laying on her with her legs open (as if to rape her) and he was choking her. My jaw dropped when I saw how fast she reduced him to tears and he squealed.
Jiu jitsu teaches you that, jamesk! Its a beautiful discipline and one of the most effective self-defence systems on the planet.
And yes, I will teach my daughters to protect themselves, bullet. I didn’t say anything about being “looked at wrong” but more in the sense of having a group of guys harass and attempt to scare or humiliate her. Then they can be assured that someone will get cut.
Simply – don’t treat young women like they’re targets and they won’t use you as a bullseye (or parts of you).
I always laugh at the solitary female that gets off the bus with me after 8pm because she fucking power walks to her door, looking back at me a few times. Apparently I’m scary even though I’ve never said a word to her and am usually more concerned with my cell and finding my keys.
qpmzwonxeibcruv: you’d make a bit more sense if you picked one position and stuck to it, instead of “you are completely mistaken but really I agree with you.”
Generally, men who approach me at night fall into three categories:
1. trying to, as you say, get laid. I’m not really sure why that should be my problem. It’s an interesting position to be in – I’m either a frigid bitch for not talking to them, or a slut if I go home with them.
2. just plain harrassing me, as a sick bonding experience with their homies. I love getting gang banged in a dark alley by people who don’t respect me as a human being, so I especially look forward to these times.
3. Actual decent guys, without the aura of creep, who might approach me in well-lighted/populated areas, and attempt to strike up a conversation (as opposed to a slurred “yurrrrr perrttyyy”), which I may or may not pursue. That would account for about 4% of the pie chart.
Which isn’t to say that I think all guys out at night are creeps. But that not all guys randomly approach me on the street, and the ones that do, tend to fall into the above categories.
And while I’m at it, who the fuck are you to be telling me that my instincts are wrong, A, and B, that I should give a fuck that some guy is trying to get laid? What should I do, hold his hand and walk him through it?
I can see learning a defense skill, that’s reasonable and smart. Carrying a knife is just stupid. If you’re not trained in how to use that, you’re fucked if the perp takes it from you and then decides he’s going to carve you up. Doesn’t matter how much training you have if you’re surrounded by a group of people, you’re getting boot-fucked unless you grow a set of eyes in the back of your head. Fight and flee is the only way, money would better be spent on defense training and a good set of running shoes. Most guys wouldn’t pursue a woman beyond 50 yards if she was in full flight. It’s “not worth their effort”.
Why wouldn’t people teach their children to keep their dam hands to themselves?… so THIS is why there are so many “friendly” Nova Scotians!… people who think they ought to intimidate with physical force. How very civilized. I’m surprised the public schools haven’t folded Bully-Defense-With-Knives-101 into phys-ed.
To lay hands on another with intent to harm is ILLEGAL and an issue for the police and courts to figure out, not for the victim to deal with. If ALL Canadians taught their children this we’d only ever have to worry about the tourists with experience in countries that don’t offer their citizens such a civilized approach to living with neighbours.
Who wants to live in a place where the strong and mean have power over the small and meek? Don’t we all despise fear?
Bullet, I’m part Apache and we’re the greatest knife-fighters the world’s ever seen.
O…K then, don’t fuck with NGF, or any of his/her peeps.
But the Apaches forgot one thing. Never take a knife to a gun fight.
Apaches could hit multiple death strikes within mere seconds, BT. We have automatic weapons now, but loading up a musket took time.
The Apaches are still here.
NGF, what muskets? By the time the wes was being settled there were revolvers and rifles, muskets were pretty well passe. Throw a knife as fast as you want but it doesn’t have the range of a Colt or a Remington.
Yes the Apaches are still here because they were smart and realized they couldn’t win over the weaponry, and that their opponents weren’t going to wipe them out.
A knife is more accurate than a bullet, BT. Plus Apaches valued the element of surprise and preferred to be up- and in-close. Plus its the silent killer; a gun doesn’t always get the job done. *holds his glock sideways, yo*
Hmm Mole Rat, I thought I was clear, but maybe not. OK, here I go again then (it’s a crappy Sunday afternoon and I’ve got nothing else to do really anyway).
Firstly, I’m NOT saying that anything is your problem or that you should do anything, Mole Rat, I was just offering another explanation for it. Why the hostility? You’re just one person with your thoughts and opinions as much as I am. Random guys talking to you might not be your cup of tea, but some girls may like the attention while others don’t. We’re not mind-readers. A firm “no” is usually sufficient, by the way, before bringing out the knife or bear-mace. And if we guys never make any effort, how the fuck are we supposed to meet girls, anyway? We’re not all Mr. Popular Casanovas (ie: really cute guys who have lots of money) with legions of hot girls falling all over us. Most of us do need to make a real effort at it in some way or another, dealing with rejection quite frequently, lest we be lonely and unsatisfied. Basically, in general, the more girls we pursue, the better our chances are. We’re just looking out for ourselves and our needs as much as you are (and should be), and hopefully, at least sometimes, those needs may be compatible. I know plenty of guys who are great people and even decent looking, but shy and not that confident, who unfortunately just don’t have any luck with girls. Once again, I’m still not saying that it’s your problem or that you should care.
Basically, I really don’t think it’s fair that guys should be considered creeps, stalkers, or rapists just because, God forbid, we simply try talking to girls who may or may not be into us. Like I said, I understand why girls wouldn’t like getting hit on by some drunk dude in his one last ditch effort, but from a guy’s perspective, you never know if you don’t try. It may suck, and once again I’m sorry if it happens and makes your uncomfortable just like bums harassing me may make me uncomfortable, but I think there are worse things in life to be worried about to be honest. Sometimes women don’t like me talking to them, which is perfectly fine and I leave them alone, but sometimes they do and things work out alright. Sometimes I’ve seen guys who have been rejected by a girl all night, and suddenly, through his persistence, she’s into him (not my thing though). Worked for my dad with my step-mom, who hated him at first, and they’ve now been together for over 12 years now. You never know if you don’t try, right?
I know this is getting a bit long-winded and rambly, but yes, I do sometimes get hit on by girls I’m not that into or even gay guys and you know what? I’m perfectly fine with it. I’m not a complete douche who tells them off for talking to or even flirting with me when I’m not into them. I don’t think there’s really any need for that, especially in a country like Canada (likely a different story in many other parts of the world) where women are generally very well respected and the men really not that bad, despite what many Gender Studies classes tell you.
“And while I’m at it, who the fuck are you to be telling me that my instincts are wrong, A, and B, that I should give a fuck that some guy is trying to get laid?”
A. Who the fuck are you to be telling me that MY instincts are wrong, as a single heterosexual male who’s naturally attracted to females? I like meeting and having sex with girls, so what? That doesn’t make me a rapist, pervert, or even a bad person. I hope I’ve made it clear already that I don’t harass girls, that I always back off when it is made clear that they’re not into me. I think you’ve probably just watched a few too many TV shows and are a bit paranoid.
B. Never said you should, nor does anyone expect it.
I think my whole point can be summarized into four words: mutual respect and understanding.
Finally, as for the slut comment, I personally don’t consider girls who also enjoy, appreciate, and want sex to be sluts. Sex is something that feels great and is good for you, and no one should be ashamed about liking it. This seems to be a really North American thing.
Alright posters, bring it on. One thing: rather than completely lambasting me, why not just ask in case you need any clarification. I’m a bit tired so I probably missed or didn’t explain myself so well on a few things.
I think we need to remember that we’re talking about a very specific context, which is men approaching women at night, outdoors. Many of my close friends have been raped, at least the ones who’ve actually told me about it, and I doubt I know a single woman who has not been sexually assaulted or harrassed in some way, whether it’s having things yelled at her, being groped in the hallways in high school, or unwanted touching on public transit or at a bar. I know I have. So when you frame something as “just trying to give it their best shot,” the exact same behavior may be seen from the woman’s perspective as threatening. And when the man is a stranger, she doesn’t know his intent. No, we aren’t all thinking the guy is going to drag us into an alley, but the potential is there – if not for that, then for further harrassment and unwanted following. And the guys who do this do NOT know what the woman’s experience with men has been.
I’ve never taken a gender studies course in my life, so you can put down that tired stereotype – and if you’ve taken a gender/women’s studies course and the instructor told you that all men are evil, she was a shit instructor. End of story. My opinions on the potential outcomes of late-night flirting are taken from real life – my own experience and that of my friends. Unless you have been raped or if “could doing this result in danger to myself in the form of sexual assault” is a a daily consideration of yours, comparing your experience as a straight male being hit on by women or gays is in no way a fair comparison to women being hit on at night by men, and I’m sorry if you can’t see that, and I’d like to kindly suggest that maybe you have some unexamined male privilege going on there.
As for your instincts, yes, we all want to get laid. But like I said there’s a time and place for pursuing that. Talking to women who are alone at night and show no interest in your attentions is an inappropriate place to be pursuing your instincts. So if you don’t do that, then obviously it’s not about YOU.
My vitriol about the “just trying to get laid” statements were a reaction to that as an explanation, not directed at however it is you conduct yourself, since you never mentioned it and I didn’t assume. Sorry if it came off as quite personal, but when someone tells me “actually you’re wrong and they just want to get laid” it comes off as arrogant. Yeah, maybe they do, but I don’t know that.
Something I forgot to add is that some women I know have been raped multiple times on different occasions…I am just trying to drive home the point that I believe that you and I live in different worlds when it comes to our expectations of life.
Right-fucking-on, Mole Rat.
That is why I’m going to teach my daughters how to use some weapons someday. I’ll feel that she has more of a right to protect herself (at any cost and by any measure) than some asshole’s “right” to “give it his best shot” or whatever the fuck.
Wow, talk about waaayyy over-protective mother who really does not comprehend someone’s posts too well, NGF! So are you saying that I deserve to be bear-maced, stabbed, or otherwise assaulted just for talking to a girl? I’m a random guy, I must be a rapist. Gotta love people who misinterpret posts, either through carelessness or their own self interests. Where did I ever say it was someone’s “right” to sexually assault anyone? Maybe you’re misinterpreting when I say “give it his best shot.” That’s why I said at the end to ask for clarification, like I’m doing with you, rather than just attacking me. I guess that’s a bit too much for some people.
Anyway, I was just trying to explain why this happens, from a single heterosexual guy’s perspective, and that it’s not necessarily as malicious as some people seem to think. I’m also someone’s son and I don’t think my mom would like it if I got assaulted just for talking to someone simply because I forgot my mind-reading crystal ball at home.
Obviously that’s quite horrible about your friends who’ve been raped or sexually assaulted, Mole Rat, but at the same time (so we’ve all been told) you’re more likely to be raped or assaulted by someone you know than by a complete stranger. I agree that people (not just women) have to be wary and cautious to protect themselves, but they don’t necessarily need to be completely paranoid either. Back to my original point and the original poster, who said simply that “if you see a solitary female walking at night; do not talk to her. do not try to make conversation. … just fuck the hell off,” I think it’s going a bit too far to ban guys from talking to girls altogether. From our perspective, while most times it may not work (which is completely fine and fair enough), sometimes it might. I suspect that the OP did encounter some of the drunk idiot guys and was compelled to post this. Like I said, the vast majority of us are not out to rape, torture, and murder you, and while a small proportion may and you do need to protect yourself, that’s no need to always assume the worst about us. That does no good for anyone. There’s some simple things you can do to protect yourself in case anything may go wrong without being overly paranoid. This is Canada, the vast majority of men are respectful towards women. Like I said, a firm “no” can usually do the trick (though I think some posters would rather more guys get seriously assaulted than simply told no). If the guy continues and is obviously threatening then yes, definitely a swift kick to the nuts or bear-macing is appropriate.
On the other hand, I too could be assaulted, beaten up, mugged, even sexually harassed. Most violent crime victims are actually male – I personally know plenty of males who have been randomly assaulted and robbed while I don’t know any women who have been sexually assaulted (no, I’m not trying to downplay it or say it doesn’t happen). I have been mugged, assaulted, and harassed by a certain ethnic group here in Halifax more than others, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to or should be more scared of that ethnic group. That would be considered racist and wrong.
Anyway, I don’t want to go on about this too much when we each have our opinions from our own perspectives and obviously are not going to let go of them easily. I do agree with a lot of your points Mole Rat and once again appreciate your civilized response. I try to understand where you’re coming from the best I can. Bottom line, obviously men should not harass women and I can see why women are wary of men (a lot to do with the media overplaying things I think but also legitimite concerns), but we can’t read minds and tell which girls may or may not want to talk or sleep with us. I don’t think there’s necessarily any huge problem with a guy giving it his best shot as long as he understands no and isn’t a complete creep about it. I do agree that talking to random lone girls on dark, deserted streets is probably not the best idea though. On the other hand, for example, if a guy happens to be walking in the same direction as a girl, both going home alone from the bar, and he walks up beside her and strikes up an interesting, coherent conversation, what’s wrong with that? I’ve done that before and made a friend out of it.
On the other hand, why don’t women pursue men more? I think society should stop considering these types of women to be sluts, and maybe it’s time that women see it from the other side, also be brave, put up with rejection, and actually go after what they want rather than waiting for Mr. Perfect to come to them while bitching about all the “creepy losers” she has to deal with in the mean time.
NGF would be the perfect dad, really. What I like about this guy is he can completely relate to/ respect women, which is what EVERY man should do. Way to be, NGF, way to be.
One more thing, quiezomniwhatever, the basic point that Mole Rat is trying to make is that most men, when at night, should assume that women alone are on HIGH ALERT for suspicious activity, and do their best to not envoke terror and paranoia inside that person. Anyone who ignores this fact otherwise an idiot and/or plain insensitive, and is the basis for more paranoia in females in this type of situation.
I understand that they are, Dino, I’m just saying that maybe they don’t need to or shouldn’t be because most men aren’t out to attack them. Statistically speaking, it is still men who are more often victims of violent assault, not women. Of course I too take general steps to protect myself like everyone should, but know not to worry too much about people, even that one ethnic group in particular who has a past history of assaulting me. In a country like Canada and a city like Halifax, there is no need to be too paranoid and automatically assume the worst about people. How is that any way to live, anyway? Aren’t these “Take Back the Night” marches about women being able to walk around at night along and without fear? I think part of that, along with making some men realize that women are not pieces of meat, etc., has to do with womens’ mindsets and thinking more logically. Rather than listening to the fear the media likes to strike up in peoples’ heads, realize that the risk of being attacked, at least in a city like Halifax, is actually quite small. So relax!
And I respect respectable women just like I respect respectable men. How about respect for people in general, rather than putting women on this pedestal like they’re some poor, oppressed victims of society. Isn’t that equality?
Anyway, I feel like I’m spending waaayyy too much time on here and I probably am! Let’s all just get along… peace, love, happiness, and all that.
Statistically speaking, however, I believe more women are the victims of sexual assault than men, and I also think that most people would rather be beaten up than raped (or raped AND beaten up). While it is certainly true that in the western world and most other places, women are more likely to be sexually assaulted by people known to them, it does happen. Why, not too long ago, just a street away from me, a man posed as a delivery guy, and when a woman opened her door, he tried to force his way in and assault her. If that kind of thing can happen to someone in her own home, you can imagine what can happen out on the street. And it does happen, and there are probably more cases than you read about in the media.
Point is, most women do not walk through the streets at night assuming a rapist will jump out of the shadows, or even that these harrassing drunk men will in fact drag them into an alley. I was pretty sure I covered that point. But neither was the OP asserting that she believes this, rather that it is annoying and uncalled-for. But really, what’s at the root of this discomfort? If we really have nothing to fear, ever, we would laugh it off. That is, if we weren’t so….illogical. Uh, yeah.
I walk around at night by myself fairly often, and I don’t get harrassed too often, but it does happen, and there is a lot more going on in the situation than you would like to think with your everyone should just get along mindset. Life is more complicated than that. People won’t “get along” until they start trying to really listen to and understand each other rather than just dismissing someone else’s lived experience even though you haven’t lived it yourself. Most people have a MEMEME mindset though, so we have a long way to go.
I’d also like to add that there are many things that people can do to make one uncomfortable which stop far short of actual assault. This includes following them, insulting them, making lewd comments, etc. And since men doing this have no reasonable expectation that the woman is going to suddenly decide to sleep with them, it seems to be more about making oneself feel powerful, at least until which point the harrasser decides to move on. We’re not always afraid of the worst case scenario – these seemingly innocuous (in the grand scheme of things) and “harmless” occurrences serve as a reminder of second-class citizenship and vulnerability.
I have to agree with Mole Rat and give a huge THUMBS UP to NGF!!!
qpmzwonxeibcruv, regarding your statement ‘Rather than listening to the fear the media likes to strike up in peoples’ heads’, I’ll tell you something:
I, as a woman, know how the media can exaggerate in order to interest people, so I take a lot of those reports with a grain of salt.
I’m constantly on high alert when I walk alone at night due to my own experiences. I, too, used to think nothing would happen, I live in a city/country that typically respects women. Until the night I was verbally harassed by a group of about 3 men. My awareness went up; then I was physically harassed. The guy got a kick to the nuts. Both of these incidents happened in less than 3 months of each other.
So now, whenever I’m out and it’s only even starting to get dark, if I see a couple of guys coming toward me or hear them behind me, my heart beats faster, my palms sweat and I get incredibly nervous. I’ve started using my cell phone to call someone to talk to until I’m home (as TTFN has instructed her daughters to do).
My heightened awareness has nothing to do with media reports or illogical conclusions. It, unfortunately, has to do with my own personal experiences.
…and if you see her in legitimate danger, let it be! Why? because you know (because you’re male) you’re just a creepy pervert and a threat until she needs your ass to save her’s from danger.
Think about that and tell me i’m wrong.
OK, all women, I am sorry for your negative experiences with some men. I think we both have some good points here and both have some legitimate concerns. I think we have at least gotten somewhere. It feels like I’ve already pretty much written a novel on this whole thing and I don’t want to repeat myself again, so I’m done!
Like I said, if you’re not doing it, you’re not the problem, so no need to apologize. I apologize for jumping down your throat the first time (as I have a habit of doing) and thanks for taking the time to discuss the matter in a respectful manner.
Hali, you’re an idiot.
Thanks, Dino and Shoe. Even when I go out at night I’m on somewhat of an alert, not for harrassment or rape but for the possibility of being swarmed/shanked/etc.
I love Halifax and think its a fine, small city. However, people can be and are assholes and I value my ability to defend myself if faced with conflict that I cannot resolve with communication or merely walking away. In no ways do I suffer from panic or worry, but I just keep my ears and eyes open while minding my pees and cues.
For the women (and males also) out there, I would recommend purchasing a copy of a book my old man found in Montreal or Toronto called Black Medicine Volume 2: Weapons at Hand. I don’t have Volume 1 (The Dark Art of Death) but both books are, in-fact, related to self-defence and is written by N. Mashiro (PhD). There are some very interesting “weapons at hand” available anywhere and it also discusses situations the doctor has experienced personally, his wife also, and people he’s interviewed.
You said it, Mole Rat (particularly your comment to hali). qpmzwonxeibcruv, it’s great that you don’t harass women and we appreciate that =) And you are quite eloquent when you debate, and you’re able to remain respectful, and I respect that.
NGF, you’re more than welcome. I’ve learned a few techniques myself, and my SO has taught me some to add to my arsenal. Everyone should know how to protect themselves.
Well then, I’m glad everyone is relatively happy! See, successful, civilized debates ARE possible on LTWWB.
Mole Rat:
Are you male or female?
I’m guessing female. lol
“I’ve learned a few techniques myself, and my SO has taught me some to add to my arsenal.”
Good to hear your dumb ass bought into that whole “self defense for women” myth.
Even though it worked well on your 150lb instructor who “let you” try the technique, you may want to think twice before trying the same on a 200lb+ guy who is TRYING to rob you.
Everyone feel free to rip me apart for telling the truth.
GO!
So tell me, oh wise hali, how SHOULD I defend my ‘dumb ass’?? Please enlighten me! Conceal a knife? Pepper spray? Bear mace? Trust me, a well placed kick to the sac or shin can bring down a 200+lb guy as quick as it can bring down a 150lb man.
“Trust me, a well placed kick to the sac or shin can bring down a 200+lb guy as quick as it can bring down a 150lb man.”
Hmm… I was going to explain further why avoiding confrontation would be the best idea, but on second though, go ahead and kick the big guy in the shin and see what happens. I’ll watch for your story in the newspaper.
🙂
Let’s make a deal. I won’t talk/look at you as I pass you Halifax girls late at night, if in return when I pass you during daylight hours and look at you and smile politely, you don’t automatically assume I want to get in your pants and act like a stuck up bitch. Because I’m a nice guy, and at some point I’m going to be nice to you, and it doesn’t mean I want to sleep with you. So you pick the time.
I agree NL! Though, I’m one of the rare breed that’ll smile & say ‘hi’ back =)
hali, of course avoiding confrontation is the best option. But when a guy won’t take ‘no thank you’ as a response and tries to touch me (actually happened) I will place my stiletto somewhere unpleasant.
Apaches could hit multiple death strikes within mere seconds, BT. We have automatic weapons now, but loading up a musket took time.
The Apaches are still here.
—————————
None of them in Mi’kmaq archer territory though are there?
To this end, Donairius has taken on the following roles in various capacities: Apache, Mi’kmaq, Jew, Puerto Rican, Heterosexual, rapper, Afro-Acadian, DJ, politician, lawyer, psychologist, writer, parade attendee, communist, hair stylist, style coach.
Wagon-burner.
Whatever you believe of yourself is true
—–wagon burner—–
And now it’s a racist. The self-destruction is coming early, for ol Handjob.
The only thing I’m looking to achieve is that which I have sought my entire life, but failed to find – so I’m creating it. Every single action I take, every breath I metabolize, every thought in my head and every single part of me is united and working in perfect harmony towards this ultimate goal. One would think it might be obvious what I’m striving for, but when the world has its back turned to the light, they can only see shadows.
Gonna need a huge oven to make the world’s largest pizza, pretty hand!
What fucking muskets. Colts, Remingtons and Winchester repeating rifles were widely used when the West opened up. Knives are great if you can get close enough. Bows and arrows are good also but don’t have the distance. The mere fact that the West was won proved the weaponry and tactics of the settler and army were superior. Now that was for the US. In Canada we used the NWMP, for the most part, to negotiate with the natives.
And you see how ‘taxing’ that was on yas 😉